Boards and Board Members: Roles, Responsibilities and Effectiveness | In Person Workshop

08 October 2025

09:30–16:15

Institute of Public Administration

The Forum will convene for a member workshop event, designed to support new Board and Governing Body (GB) members and also those who wish to avail of refresher training and reflection on roles and responsibilities, and what makes for Board/GB effectiveness.

The event will comprise IPA Governance Team inputs alongside contributions by two highly experienced Board Chairpersons. 

Key areas to be explored include:

• Tone, attitudes and behaviours - the emphasis on culture and governance
• The responsibilities and expectations of Board members
• The Board and Executive - respective roles, dynamics and relationship
• The Board's focus on strategy and organistional performance
• The Board's focus on internal controls and assurance seeking and giving
• Features of effective Boards, including Chairperson reflections
• Emerging areas - e.g. sustainability, artificial intelligence

Contributors:

• Penelope Kenny, ARC Chairperson at An Coimisúin Pleanála and experienced INED
• Dr Fergal Lynch, Chairperson NCSE and former Secretary General
• Dr Tom Ward, Senior Governance Specialist, IPA
• Laura Shannon, Governance Specialist, IPA